Chapter 1: Friendship Between Girl and Snake
[Location: Musutafu–Local Playground]
[Time: 2:45pm]
Ikumi Midoriya, a little girl around four years old, with long and curly green hair and beautiful emerald eyes, learned a hard truth that not everyone was born equal. In her society, people are born with quirks. Superhuman abilities ranging from super human strength, to expelling fire, to generating large amounts of electricity. Unfortunately for our little girl, she was born without any special abilities, making her what her society calls, Quirkless. Quirkless people in her society are seen as weak, useless and even sometimes freaks, all because of something they can not control or change, others making their lives miserable at best and suicidal at worst.
Ikumi wouldn't let this stop her. Standing in front of a poor boy, who could manipulate sand at a moderate level, using his quirk to build sand castles and small animals in the playground's sandbox. Ikumi clutched at her dress, tears falling from her eyes as she stood to protect the boy from a group of bullies who decided to pick on him.
"S...stop it, K...kacchan! Y...you're being v...very m...mean right n...now!" Ikumi yelled, trying to stop her friend from hurting the boy.
"Move Ikumi! You have no involvement in this." Katsuki Bakugou, a boy with blonde ash coloured hair and red eyes, said, his quirk giving him the ability to produce small explosions using his sweat.
"Heh, what, are you too scared to hurt your little girlfriend Katsuki?" One of his 'friends', said, pissing the blonde boy off, giving the boy a hard scowl only a mother would be proud of.
Katsuki looked back, as he asked Ikumi to move aside again, as he really doesn't want to hurt her, but he will do what he needs to, to show her what it is likes to be a hero without a quirk.
"No, I won't! A hero's job is to protect people, and if I have to fight you to do that, then I won't hesitate!" Ikumi yelled as she shakily held her hands up to her chest, folding them into fists.
Katsuki frowned, but then smiled, as Ikumi watched his 'friends' flexed their quirks, one who is able to grow red wings from his back and another who can extend his fingers, with Katsuki slamming his fists together, a small explosion erupting between them.
"Alright then. If you feel like playing hero, we'll gladly show you what it is like to be one." Katsuki said, as he and his 'friends' charged at her and started attacking her with their quirks.
[Minutes Later]
After 5 whole minutes of getting beaten up, Ikumi layed on the floor, covered in more bruises and burns than the sand boy before. Pain rattled across her body, stopping her body from moving, even blinking hurt. When the bullies finished beating her up, they happily left, leaving her to lay on the ground alone. No one even went to check on her, like she didn't exist in the first place. Not even the kid she tried to protect. He fled when Katsuki and his 'friends' attacked her.
From a couple of bushes that grew nearby, a pair of slitted eyes watched from inside, their gazed locked onto Ikumi filled with worry, grief and sadness.
"Poor thing. You must be in so much pain. And to be left alone by those ungreatful brats. How disgraceful." A voice from the bushes said, as they decided it was time to finally approach the girl, now that they would be alone.
Ikumi watched the clouds above her, their perceived softness helping her ignore the pain she was feeling, watching the beautiful white puffs drift by, imagining how it would feel to lay on one. Their soft, fluffy texture washing over her, releasing all the pain and stress she had, as she drifted off into sleep to lay forever on such fluffy things.
"Hello there. Are you okay? You look seriously hurt." A voice spoke, snapping Ikumi from her trance but she didn't recognise it, nore could she move her head far enough to see them, the pain was still too much for her to move.
"H...hello?" She spoke, hoping she wasn't hallucinating from her dreary state.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you. Do you mind if I ask you for your name, little girl?" They asked, their voice sounding soft and warm like her mother's, but also regal like some of those rich folk she saw on T.V.
Ikumi hesitated to give the stranger her name, as was told to her by her mother, and some of her teachers before she was diagnosed quirkless, to never talk to strangers unless they are an officer or a well known hero. But in the state she was in, it isn't like she could fight back, nor could she call for help. So Ikumi decided to give them her name, just praying this person was nice and not a kidnapper.
"I...Ikumi, M...mmidoriyah..." Ikumi shakily spoke, her voice scratchy as she struggled to say the words coming out from her voice.
"Well, Izumi, I must say. Defending that little boy earlier was quite the noble act for a little girl like yourself." The voice said, which made Ikumi feel bubbly and warm inside.
"W...who... a...re yo...u?" Ikumi asked, but she didn't get a response from the voice.
Ikumi felt tears in her eyes, believing she was just imagining things again, just imagining the hope she always wanted. Ikumi then felt something crawl up her arm. Something cold, and scaly. Ikumi was freaking out, but the pain kept her body from reacting to the foreign object that was crawling up her arm. Closing her eyes was the only defensive response her body could make, so she held her breath to wait for whatever would happen next.
"Ah, there we are. Sorry to frighten you little one, it can be quite surprising to meet someone such as I." The voice spoke again, but it sounded like it was speaking right in front of her.
Ikumi opened her eyes, which widen in surprise and shock, but also wonder and curiosity when she saw a green scaled snake with a hood with yellow and red markings, or tattoos running down her whole body, their design feeling ancient to her for some reason.
"Hello little one. It is my pleasure to meet a girl such as you. Please, tell me. Are you seriously hurt?" The snake spoke, which gave Ikumi the source of the voice she was hearing
"Aa... t...talki...ng sn...ake?" She asked, which the snake in question giggled at Ikumi's shock and wonder.
"Oh, how I love the shock on humans faces when they realise I can talk. But to your question, little one, I'm a python." She introduced herself, as she bowed her head and used her tail like an arm, curling it in front of herself.
"A...re yo...ou l...ike on...e of t...tho...ose qu...quirk...ked an...ima...als? L...lik...e Pr...in...ncib...ble Ned...zu f...ro...m U...A?" Ikumi asked the Python, which she shook her hooded head.
"Oh of course not. Animals do not exhibit quirks because quirks are part of the human branch of evolutionary tree, unless that animal has been seriously experimenterd on." She said, which confused the quirkless girl.
"T...the...en h...ow a...re yo...u ab...ble t...to sp...eak li...ike a p...p...ers...son?" Ikumi asked, which the snake just smiled.
"Oh sweetie, I can't just give away all of my secrets. Afterall, I am just a stranger, right? It would be rude of me to just talk about myself when I am here to make sure you are okay." She said as she examined Ikumi's body carefully.
After a few minutes of examination, she asked if anyone came by at all to check up on her, which Ikumi shook her head. She already knew, but she wanted to make sure Ikumi didn't exhibit any destructive behaviours or tendencies.
"Alright, it seems your body is just bruised with minor scarring from burns, and if left to heal on its own, it would take at least 5 days of constant bed rest to heal." She said, giving Ikumi a worried look as she gestured to a nasty mark on her arm.
"But some of these burns, such as this one, are very serious injuries and could lead to permanent scarring. If you are not taken to a doctor, your body would be covered in nasty scars a four year old shouldn't have." She said, as she watch the sad look plaster itself into Ikumi's face.
The python wiped the tears she saw forming away, as she told Ikumi everything will be okay, that she is in good hands.
"Lucky for you, little girl, I have learnt various abilities over my long life. One of these will allow me to heal these injuries of yours and prevent them from ever scarring on your body." She proudly announced, pressing her tail on her chest?
"R...rea...ally?" Ikumi asked, almost happy that she can get rid of the pain that she was slowly getting used to.
"Yep, now stay still. It won't take long." She said, closing the distance to Ikumi's forehead, as she pressed hers onto Ikumi's.
A small green glow appeared from their forheads, Ikumi feeling a sudden whisp of energy flow through her, as she also felt the pain from her injuries dissapearing, with her injuries glowing the same green light from their foreheads.
After a minute of time went by, Ikumi felt the Python remove herself from her forehead. She blinked a couple of times to bring herself back to reality, as the energy she felt inside her relaxed. She sat up as the Python layed in her laps as Ikumi moved her small body around and felt no pain, but with more energy then she ever had in her life.
She smiled, happy that she was healed of her injuries, as she picked up the python and rubbed their cheeks together for a hug. She thanked the Python over and over for what she did, the Python saying it wasn't a problem and she is happy to help a kind soul like Ikumi.
"Well dear, there is something I want to ask you." The Python spoke up, which Ikumi looked at her, gaining the Python's attention.
"Well, I was wondering. Why did you help that boy specifically? It could be just me, but kids don't usally help each other, usually being too scared to do anything." She asked, as she watched Ikumi's brain think up a response.
"Well, I want to become a hero, of course! And I can't be a hero if I always run away from a fight, or I won't be able to protect people. A hero faces fear head-on and saves everyone! That's what All Might does." Ikumi proudly said, pumping her non-existence toddler muscles.
"Well, ain't that a noble goal to achieve. With a heart of gold like yours, I'd say you would be a wonderful hero." She said, giving Ikumi hope that someone actually believes in her, but her face immediately sowwered.
The Python asked what is wrong and Ikumi said she can't be a hero because she is quirkless. Useless. A stupid, useless Deku. The Python eyes widen, not from the notions that Ikumi is quirkless, but the fact that she would call herself such awful names.
"I'm sorry dear, but maybe I'm not keeping up with human culture as much as I should, but what does quirkless means?" She asked, genuinely confused on what the word ment.
"I..it. It means I don't have a quirk like most people. No super powers, no special ability. Nothing! Just, quirkless." She said, crying on the spot emidiently.
The Python quickly comforted the girl, asking why she is letting such a thing hold her back. Who cares if she doesn't have any special ability, a hero is the person, not their superpower.
"Everyone! My mum, my friends, teachers, strangers. They all say a quirkless person cannot become a hero, because its too dangerous or say I'm too weak to even become one." Ikumi said, trying to wipe her tears away, but more kept flowing.
The Python was a little pissed at the moment. Who do these worthless humans think bringing down a girl such as Ikumi just because she isn't special?! It disgusted her to the bone, and she felt so much pity she couldn't help but think about killing anyone who would disrispect her.
"Well I'd say their all wrong." She said, catching Ikumi's attention.
"W...what?" She asked, giving the Python the stage to speak.
"The definition of a hero these days are very skewed. Fame, riches, popularity. It's all wrong. A hero is someone who protects people, either from those who try to hurt them for selfish reasonsbor from natural disasters! That's it. Nothing else." The Python said, as she let her words sink in for a moment to carrying on speaking the next moment.
"You, Ikumi Midoriya, showed that traits of a hero by protecting that boy from those bullies. Even when powerless and outnumbered, you stayed to fight for the boy's protection. That is the most heroic thing a hero can do." She said, which she can see tears erupting from Ikumi's eyes again, but she could tell these were happy tears that was waiting to be release for years.
"You, Ikumi. Can become a hero. You may not be able to become a flashy hero, nor a hero that would reach to the top of the charts, because a hero wouldn't care nor need them to show how good a hero you would be!" Ikumi finally burst out into sobbing, which the Python felt proud that she showed Ikumi she shouldn't give up on her dreams.
"T...tank y...ou m...isss! I...I wa...ant...ed to h...ear th...hos...se wo...rds f...for s...o l...long!" Ikumi stuttered through her muffled sobbing, attempting to wipe her tears away.
"It's quite alright, little one. Let's just say I have an extensive knowledge of human history, and most of it is humans always praying on the weak. So to give the weak; as they see them, the courage to fight against their oppressors. That is something that makes me all giddy to watch the mighty fall." The Python explained, already thinking of ways to hurt those who dug Ikumi further into the ground.
"Which comes to your first and probably only obstacle to your path to becoming a hero." The Python said, which confused, but also worried the young girl.
"When becoming a hero, you can easily enter most hero programs in Japan with hard body training and plentiful amount of fighting skills, which would improve further during your years at highschool." The Python said, which Ikumi just nodded to what she was saying.
"But when you are in any hero program, that means you will be monitored by the hero, public, safety, commission, or HPSC." She said, which Ikumi asked who they were.
"They are an organisation put up by the government of this country to monitor every hero buisness in the country. For example, say there is a planned raid that will happen in a few weeks. It would be the job of the commission to build up a team of heroes that would suit the need of the raid. You understand." She asked Ikumi, which she nodded.
"Good, now one of the most crucial things the commission wants is flashy and powerful heroes. Which means they will prioritise those with very flashy quirks over those who quirks aren't flashy at all. Which leads us to you." The Python explained, pointing the tip of her tail at Ikumi.
Ikumi pointed at herself, which the python nodded her head. She continues to say that once the HPSC learns a quirkless child enters any hero program, they would try their hardest to bring her down or even kick her out of the program, so that someone who is seen as, "more useful" can take her spot.
Ikumi asked why she said she could become a hero if she couldn't. The Python corrected herself, saying Ikumi would be a great hero, if she didn't need to go through the process of becoming one, but because how human society works, she can't bypass the rules unless she wants to become a vigilante.
"I don't want to be a vigilante! I want to be a hero who people would can look up to for hope. Like All Might!" She said, which brighten the Python's mood greatly.
"Yeah, well, unfortunately, everything is completely stacked against you, so unless you somehow develop a quirk overnight, you may never become a hero." The Python said, which made Ikumi cry a little.
"Hey, hey, it's okay. Listen, I know how unbelievable this may sound, but I can help you develop a "quirk" overnight." The Python explained, watching Ikumi's head pop up and eyes widen.
"Wait, what?! What do you mean?" Ikumi asked, not expecting what the Python would say.
"Well, you see Ikumi. I'm no ordinary Python, which you obviously can tell." She said, watching Ikumi nod her head in conformation.
"I am quite old. Older than quirks themselves. I have lived for thousands of years, meaning I have been around since the dawn of human civilisation and even before that." The Python explained, and Ikumi was surprised.
"What, really?! How can someone live for such a long time? I thought Pythons can only live for a few years." Ikumi asked, already a bunch of questions coming to mind.
"Like I said, I am no ordinary Python. Along with immortality, I have various other abilities like healing, which you experience along with another that I have used many times in the past." She said, with Ikumi asking what that power is.
"Well, it's the power to give others gifts." She said, watching Ikumi tilt her head.
"Do you give people presents or something?" She asked, causing the Python to giggle.
"No, no. Nothing like that. Though my gifts would be considered one of the best present someone could get. Giving someone a gift is me transferring some of power onto you, where your body will developbit and allow it to grwo stronger over time." She said, seeing the realisation in Ikumi's eyes.
"Ahh!" The Python screamed in shock, being pulled in by Ikumi for a tight hug.
"Does that mean you can give me a quirk?!" Ikumi yelled with so much excitment it almost scared the Python into shock.
"Hehe, well yeah, technically. But my powers don't exactly work like quirks do, because of how old they are." She said, but saw no change in the girl's face or emotions.
"Wait, is that why you are so small? I remember reading a picture book that Pythons can grow bigger than this." She asked, seeing the Python's face frown.
"Well, something like that. Normally I have other forms I can access, but this is the least energy efficient form. Unfortunately, my powers have been shrinking faster than it should be. I fear it may be because of quirks that my own power is dwindling at a rapid pace. I don't know for sure." She said, worrying Ikumi.
"Does that mean you're getting sick?" She asked, which the Python comforted her.
"No, of course not. It just means I can't use most of my powers because of the form I am currently stuck in. But at the rate at which the power is dropping just keeps increasing the more time that goes by." She explained, feeling quite vulnerable for some reason.
"I...is there a way to bring your powers back?" Ikumi asked.
"Well, yeah, there is. Because I wasn't born with my powers, I needed a source to draw my powers from in the first place." She explained, remembering the rush of power she felt when she was given her abilities for the first time.
"How did you get your powers?" IKumi asked, hoping she can help her new friend as much as she can.
"From a spring, somewhere on the planet. It is hidden, only accessible to those who are worthy of its gift granting powers. I always go to the spring to recharge, as was my right to do so." She said, which confused Ikumi.
"Then why don't you go back to the springs like you used to? Is there something stopping you from accessing it?" Ikumi asked, as the Python nodded her head.
"Yeah. Lets just say the spring doesn't consider me worthy anymore to recharge my power reserves." The Python said, feeling her body being pulled in for a hug from Ikumi again.
"I'm sorry. I could never understand what it feels like to lose something you've had for years. How can I help?" Ikumi said, then asking how she can help her, which the Python knew she picked a perfect person to give a gift to.
"Well, Ikumi. First of all, thank you for the hug, I needed that. Second, you gaining my gift is the way you can help me." The Python thanks Ikumi, then told her how she can help the small reptilian.
"Really, but isn't giving people gifts what caused you to not be worthy of the spring?" Ikumi asked, but the Python shook her head.
"No, it was because the humans I gave gifts to became monsters, and the spring saw my poor choices as a reason to not replenish my powers, so that I don't recreate more monsters." The python said.
"Well that is just isn't right. You can't blame someone for the action of others!" Ikumi said, and the python couldn't help but laugh internally about how she couldn't have find a more nicer person than Ikumi.
The Python told Ikumi that she really didn't care what the spring told her, as the spring only wanted to stop her from creating more monsters. Ikumi shook her head, telling her the same thing she did before, but also saying she will show that stupid spring that she is worthy of the gift she is given, by becoming the number one hero who saves everyone with a bright smile, like All Might.
The Python smiled, thanking Ikumi, telling her she is probably the nicest and purest human she will ever give a gift to. Ikumi smiled, thanking her for the compliments, but they were brought out of their stupor when a familiar voice for Ikumi spoke up, quite haggard and frighten.
"I...Iku?" Izumi and the python looked to the voice, which Ikumi's eyes widen to see her mother; a woman with green hair like her daughter's and the same green eyes.
"Iku, why are you holding a snake?" Inko Midoriya, Izumi's mother, spoke with frightened fear in her voice.
"Umm..." Ikumi tried to figure out an excuss to tell her mother, "Fr...friend?" She said, raising the python towards her mother and caretaker.
"Iku please, put it down before it bites you!" Inko asked in worry, her motherly instincts about to burst out like a wild animal.
"She doesn't bite. She's friendly. She's even helped me and kept me company." Ikumi said, trying to show her mother the Python isn't dangerous.
"Iku, Its a snake, a dangerous animal." Her mother said, trying stay calm in a situation like this.
"But she isn't dangerous. She's my friend and she wouldn't hurt anyone." Ikumi said as she brought the python to her face rubbing hers against the snake's.
Inko cooed at the cute display of affection, unable to smile at the sight, but she shook her head, remembering her daughter was holding a living, breathing snake.
"I'm sorry Iku. A snake, is a snake, and I won't..." Inko said, about the pull the snake away with her quirk, before the snake spoke up.
"I'm a python, thank you very much." The Python suddenly spoke, shocking the mother.
"Ah! You can talk?!" She screeched in fright, which the python nodded.
"Yes, I can. And I can concur, I haven't, nor will I ever hurt Ikumi in any manner of any sorts." The Python said, shocking Inko again with how polite and well spoken she was.
"So, you aren't going to bite my little Iku?" Inko asked, seeing the Python shake her head.
Inko felt relieved, apologising to her for the confusion. The python said it was reasonable for a mother to be weary of a python.
"Well, I'm sorry for my sudden outburst. I just got worried that my little Iku was playing with a wild animal, no less a python." Inko said, apologising for her behaviour.
"It is quite alright. I do not blame you for your protective side for your daughter.
"Can she come?" Ikumi asked, holding the python up to her mother.
Inko was hesitant to bring a python with her, but with how polite and friendly the python seemed to be, she thought it couldn't hurt. Plus, she was a friend of Ikumi, which Inko was happy about. Inko said she would love to bring Ikumi's new friend home. Inko held her hand out for Ikumi's and when her duaghter grabbed hers, they walked to their complex, which wasn't far.
Bakugou was still there, waiting for his own parents, and he couldn't help but feel angry for some reason, but also guiltful. He wasn't far from where Ikumi and Auntie Inko were, but he was confused about the snake, how it healed Ikumi, and whatever they were talking about, he couldn't hear. He'll probably ask her tomorrow at school.
[Location: Midoriya's Residence]
[Time: 3:18]
Inko was very worried and shocked, after what happened at the park, she couldn't help it. Her little Ikumi, befriending a sentient, talking snake. It was unbelievable, but considering they lived in a world full of super powers, it shouldn't be too silly for animals to have quirks themselves.
"So, Ikumi, honey. How did you meet your new friend?" Inko asked, as she watched her daughter move her head down to the ground, thinking.
The python Ikumi was carrying, snuggled comfortably sat around her neck, as she tried to snuggle closer into Ikumi's clothing.
"Well, I was playing with in the park with Kacchan and his friends, but then I wanted to play with another boy, so Kacchan left and soon enough, the boy left too, where I then met my new friend." Ikumi started, making up the story of how she met the python.
"Umm, Ikumi, that isn't how it went. You shouldn't lie to your mother about stuff like this." The Python interjected, causing Inko to become worried, but also a little upset that her Iku was lying to her.
"Ikumi, is what she says true? Are you lying?" Inko asked her daughter, but got no response, but that was all that Inko needed to know.
Inko knew her daughter wouldn't lie for no reason, so there were definitely a reason for her lying. Inko began to get very stressed about what she was trying to hide that Ikumi of all people needed to lie about it.
"I think it would be best that I discuss our meeting. I can also explain who I am and why I decided to reach out for your daughter." The Python said, but didn't expect the woman's eyes to narrow at her.
"What do you mean? Do you want to use my daughter for some alteria motives
?" Inko asked, seemingly manafesting a red fiery aura around her, scaring both Izumi and the Python.
"O...o...of course n...not! Listen, I will explain everything in due time. I hope you can understand what I want to tell is very important and will not be putting your daughter at risk of both her health and well-being." The Python said, trying to calm the woman down from the misunderstanding.
The aura around Inko seemingly dissapeared, but the feeling of it still lingered, but the Python didn't want to take any chances and stayed silent.
("Why is it always the innocent ones that are the scariest?") The Python thought, remembering the various humans she met and bonded with, that had similar personalities to the Midoriyas and their sudden, scary rage they had.
[END OF CHAPTER 1]